The History of Hair Extensions

Human hair extensions have a longer history than you might imagine. In centuries past, human hair extensions were sometimes made of odd materials, and the good stuff (the real hair) was always reserved for the privileged. Nowadays – anybody can purchase their own real hair extensions and look like royalty. Of course, just like any trend, real hair extensions have faded in and out of popularity, even disappearing for centuries at a time. Let’s take a stroll back in time, to look at the history of human hair extensions.

~3400 BC: The Ancient Egyptians.

There’s well documented evidence that human hair extensions were widely used in ancient Egypt as cosmetic adornments. Worn by pharaohs and other important members of society, these very intricate extensions were attached to the hair using a complex system of weaves and knots. For the poorer citizens of Egypt, there were plenty of cheap knockoffs. But these weren’t human hair extensions – vegetable fibers were often used instead. Think of these as the cheap weaves we sometimes see today, the ones that use synthetic hair.

You can thank our ancient, Egyptian ancestors for the full, volumous hair flowing down your back. Five-thousand years ago they were busy laying the groundwork not just for the pyramids, but also for today's ultra-modern hairdo's.

Cleopatra

~150 Years Ago: Victorian Era (UK) or the Gilded Age (US).

The Victorians are often remembered for their decadent tendencies, and they were no different when it came to their hair. In 1873, Britain imported an estimated 102 tons of human hair from France. In what was perhaps the heyday of human hair extensions, both men and women wore these products as a sign of beauty and wealth. Women used the extra length to create complex and opulent hairstyles like Apollo knots, which resembled the beehives of the 1950s. Let’s give a quick shout-out to the 1700s and the powdered wig (real hair extensions made with human hair).

~100 Years Ago: The Early 1900s.

A hundred years ago, women cared about their appearance just as much as they do today. Real hair extensions were seen as a luxury, and only people who had a surplus of money could afford them. The extensions of this era were called “switches,” and they were clipped into hair, just like Tousled hair today. The advertisement to the left (c. 1905) states “these switches are … made of splendid quality selected human hair, and to match any ordinary shade.” The prices ranged from 95 cents for a 2 oz. 22-inch switch all the way up to 25 bucks for a customized style (which in today’s market would 

come to about $2,500!)

Marie-Antoinette

This brings us to today.  The golden age of EXTENSIONS.  Synthetic or Human Hair, any color, texture, or type is on the market.  Although we no longer do the crazy things mentioned above.  Without all the human experimentation and creativity we would not have what we do today.  So props to the history of the wigs

- See more at: http://nicolaaugustinehair.com/tousled/15-an-abridged-history-of-hair-extensions.html#sthash.zLkBQiss.dpuf, http://www.studio4ty.com/the-history-of-the-weave/

Does weave & wigs grow your hair?

I have been receiving suggestions to do a post on “do weaves and wigs really make ones hair grow?”  Great question! So I went out and did my research.

Weaves, wigs, extensions, and clip on all serve a purpose and for most people it’s usually the style & for others it serves as a method of hair growth. YES! I said it weave do grow your hair.

However the use of weaves and wigs do have the potential to damage your hair, especially if it’s improperly installed without the right maintenance. (some of the damages caused by weave are mentioned below)

Hair Loss
Very tight braiding or weaving may be linked to a permanent type of hair loss that affects many African American women, according to a U.S. study.

Prolonged pulling at the hair strands may cause inflammation of the hair follicle, which has been showed to lead to scarring.

In principle, this could lead to scarring hair loss or central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, a type of balding that starts at the top of the scalp and then spreads slowly to the rest.

    

Brittle Hair

Dry Hair

Thinning of hair

Accurately Installation & maintenance of weave and wigs allows you to try new hairstyles & it will not damage your hair, because you are able to give your own hair a rest from excessive heat, pulling and combing. Furthermore when weave is done properly it can help you retain the length and acquire healthier hair.  

In order for your hair to grow using weave consider trying the following tips:

1. 1.      Find an experienced stylist

A stylist who’s knowledgeable about properly installing weaves extensions and wigs and who understands the importance of keeping your hair healthy underneath the install.

1. 2.      Maintain your hair even if it is covered by weave/wig

The main thing you have to remember when wearing weave is to TAKE CARE OF YOUR OWN HAIR!!! Sew in weaves won’t give you freedom from your own hair, but if anything it kind of gives you more reasons to pay attention to your hair. Don’t keep your weave in for a period longer than three months, and when they grow, they will move further from your scalp. (Ladies you don’t want this… then we can definitely tell that your weave is getting old) When this happens I recommend you redo your hair, for keeping it in for too long results in matting, tangling and breakage.

In addition to this without cleansing or moisturizing of the hair when it is covered the hair will become brittle & eventually break off. Moisturize your natural hair regularly with natural emollients and moisturizing conditioners while it’s weaved up. Try to find a gentle sulphate free shampoo

Make sure to protect your hair at night   

1. 3.     Do not do your hair too tight

If you’re sewing in do make sure that braids are well installed and not too tight.  With a braid or weave you should not feel any pain once it’s in place.  .  This is the surest way of experiencing hair loss or bald spots from the hair being pulled out. Sewing too tight causes friction which can lead to breakage..  The area where the extension first meets the scalp should be secure but should not be pulled taut.  You could damage the follicles and end get a traction alopecia.

Sew in, just like any other weave, has its ups and downs. They can protect your hair but if not “installed” correctly it can damage or break your hair.